2014 Grand Floridian Resort & Villas FAQ: Vacationing in Grand Style!

[smellyia]

Just switched to GF 10/15-10/20 for the second half of our USO split stay from WL because of poolgate. So excited as this resort is on our "bucket" list and we are normally Beach Clubbers.

I'm trying to understand the outer building categories or locations. We are booked Garden View outer building. Anyone able to tell me which building this is and if parking lot "garden" is likely to happen?

Anyone have any recs on what to request? We would like to be close to the pool that's children friendly. I've seen the "dormer" option but wasn't sure what really is beneficial in a room at GF. We would be using a pack n play so somewhere roomier might be best....

I plan on spending my Friday night reading throughout this informative thread. Thanks so much!

 

[Three cats]

Yes, you can. There is a list of Private Dining amenities on the first page, or at least a link - I'll figure out which post and give a link.

ETA: scroll down to the bottom of this Dining post, you'll find the in room amenities list with prices! (may have changed slightly, this was a couple years ago)

Thank you so much!! That is exactly what I was looking for

 

[Lisann]

Just switched to GF 10/15-10/20 for the second half of our USO split stay from WL because of poolgate. So excited as this resort is on our "bucket" list and we are normally Beach Clubbers.

I'm trying to understand the outer building categories or locations. We are booked Garden View outer building. Anyone able to tell me which building this is and if parking lot "garden" is likely to happen?

Anyone have any recs on what to request? We would like to be close to the pool that's children friendly. I've seen the "dormer" option but wasn't sure what really is beneficial in a room at GF. We would be using a pack n play so somewhere roomier might be best....

I plan on spending my Friday night reading throughout this informative thread. Thanks so much!

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you can get a parking lot view at the Grand Floridian. Garden is the basic view and then it goes up from there. There is no standard view (read: parking lot).

I have never had a bad view.

 

[smellyia]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you can get a parking lot view at the Grand Floridian. Garden is the basic view and then it goes up from there. There is no standard view (read: parking lot).

I have never had a bad view.

Thanks! I kept reading the view options and kept thinking I must be missing something.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Just switched to GF 10/15-10/20 for the second half of our USO split stay from WL because of poolgate. So excited as this resort is on our "bucket" list and we are normally Beach Clubbers.

I'm trying to understand the outer building categories or locations. We are booked Garden View outer building. Anyone able to tell me which building this is and if parking lot "garden" is likely to happen?

Anyone have any recs on what to request? We would like to be close to the pool that's children friendly. I've seen the "dormer" option but wasn't sure what really is beneficial in a room at GF. We would be using a pack n play so somewhere roomier might be best....

I plan on spending my Friday night reading throughout this informative thread. Thanks so much!

Welcome! "Poolgate" - so funny! We love the Y&BC, too, I think you will enjoy your GF stay.

Garden view rooms will be located in any one of the outer buildings except Sugar Loaf, which is 100% club level.

After the addition of the Alice Splash Zone and courtyard pool renovations of last year, all the pools are now "child friendly"! Both pools are zero entry; the Beach Pool has the slide, cabanas and afternoon pool activities; courtyard pool has pop jets and the hot tub. Both pools have their own pool bar as well.

As Lisann posted, there are no parking lot views at the Grand. Garden view rooms will have a view of the courtyard pool, the marina (that's right - the marina!) or the back side of Sago Cay, with greenscape and the monorail. There are a few rooms on the end of Sago closest to the Main Bldg. that overlook the maintenance area of Gasparilla's, but they are so few and even these rooms have a sideways view of the marina.

In Big Pine Key, there are a number of garden view rooms that look right into the back of the pool house. Not a horrible view by any means, but blocked; I think I have some photos of this view on the first page, I'll have to check.

HTH! Happy reading, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Thank you so much!! That is exactly what I was looking for

You are welcome! We used to get strawberries in the room pretty much every trip, but after they became available in the Confectionary on Main Street, we get them there instead. A little cheaper, but you have to be in the MK.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you can get a parking lot view at the Grand Floridian. Garden is the basic view and then it goes up from there. There is no standard view (read: parking lot).

I have never had a bad view.

Nope, you are not wrong! This is exactly right! We've never had a bad view, just a few we would have liked to be better. Trees in the way, pool house view, etc. Pretty hard to get a bad room at the Grand.

 

[BCV23]

Hello.

We are currently booked at WL for November but thinking of switching to the GF. I have a couple of questions if you wouldn't mind...

Are there king bed rooms in the Lagoon View category? If so, are they strictly handicapped accessible rooms? We'd love to request a king size bed but wouldn't want a roll in shower.

Is the self parking terribly far? We've driven there before for dinner reservations and parked quite far away in a lot across the street. Is there a closer parking lot for resort guests?

Thanks!

We've had several accessible rooms at the GF and none have had king beds. Reports have always been that there are few rooms with king beds at the GF other than those in the main building but it is always worth a try to request one.

Last Fall about the time the villas opened, one area of the main parking lot opened to self parking. It is at the South end of the main lot and not a long walk at all.

 

[BCV23]

I'm so indecisive :-(. But, I just did it. I canceled my BB CBR reservation and booked a CL outer building room. Not sure I did the right thing. But, it's done.

We ( me, dh, dd 12, and my mom) will be there 9/15 - 9/19.

Anyone every stay in the handicapped roll in shower room

Any tips for navigating or must see at GF ?

We've stayed in a roll in shower room in Sugar Loaf three different stays. Loved it. Our last stay was a number of years ago now but at that time, there was a love seat instead of sleeper couch. As a result, the room sleeps only four. The bathroom is lovely. Have a great time.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Just did online check in for the first time.

We are at YC August 16-20 then transferring over to the GF August 20-27.

For my two request I checked Conch Key and upper floor.

All I really want is a nice view!
Last year we had a wonderful TPV room in Boca Chica. But since we did an Easter Break trip to Universal this year no TPV room this year!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

BCV23 - so good to see you, my dear friend!!

Thanks for the info on the parking, I had completely forgotten they have opened up some of the main parking lot for self park now. Excellent news.

Just did online check in for the first time.

We are at YC August 16-20 then transferring over to the GF August 20-27.

For my two request I checked Conch Key and upper floor.

All I really want is a nice view!
Last year we had a wonderful TPV room in Boca Chica. But since we did an Easter Break trip to Universal this year no TPV room this year!

We love Conch AND Boca, both are well located.

If you can remember, what were the other choices for requests? I've not done online check in since making room requests were possible, we did not have good luck with it in the past.

 

[jmskinner]

We love conch key building near the marina and boat dock area, we've had beautiful TPV : )

Welcome, very excited for your first stay! Whether to request a building or not is purely personal taste. Some people like to make a request, others want to be surprised. There aren't many bad rooms at the GF, don't worry, no parking lot views, etc.

What room category do you have? That may make a difference on which building you prefer. ETA: oops, just saw you have TPV. The two buildings most often cited as having good TPV rooms are Conch Key and Sago Cay. HTH!

I've been MIA from the Dis for awhile. Thank you for your responses! Still undecided, but just saw the post that you can now select rooms when doing the online check-in. Now I feel like Disney wants me to pick.

 

[Mrsdonaldduck]

Just did online check in for the first time. We are at YC August 16-20 then transferring over to the GF August 20-27. For my two request I checked Conch Key and upper floor. All I really want is a nice view! Last year we had a wonderful TPV room in Boca Chica. But since we did an Easter Break trip to Universal this year no TPV room this year!

. We have the exact same plan! What did you request at YC?

 

[DisneyMomx7]

BCV23 - so good to see you, my dear friend!!

Thanks for the info on the parking, I had completely forgotten they have opened up some of the main parking lot for self park now. Excellent news.



We love Conch AND Boca, both are well located.

If you can remember, what were the other choices for requests? I've not done online check in since making room requests were possible, we did not have good luck with it in the past.

We've NEVER done online check in so I'm really rolling the dice here!
You could request any non-CL building, lower floor, upper floor or dormer room. I think those were the only choices.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

. We have the exact same plan! What did you request at YC?

I didn't do online check in for YC yet.
What I did request on our regular reservation was wedding gazebo view.

I think they are some of the nicest gv views at YC.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I've been MIA from the Dis for awhile. Thank you for your responses! Still undecided, but just saw the post that you can now select rooms when doing the online check-in. Now I feel like Disney wants me to pick.

LOL! You could be right.

We've NEVER done online check in so I'm really rolling the dice here!
You could request any non-CL building, lower floor, upper floor or dormer room. I think those were the only choices.

Thanks, good to know. For a while, there were only 2 buildings on the list, if I remember correctly. Good luck, I hope your online experience is excellent.

I didn't do online check in for YC yet.
What I did request on our regular reservation was wedding gazebo view.

I think they are some of the nicest gv views at YC.

I agree, we had a first floor room looking out at the gazebo and it was lovely. I think the 2nd floor or above would be even prettier, with an overview.

We saw one wedding, I had to sneak out and bring our wet suits in off the balcony!

 

[j&j620]

Hi everyone!

I just spent a nice chunk of my afternoon reading through this whole thread

We recently made the switch from WL to GF after hearing about the pool situation. We had originally wanted Poly and decided to go with WL instead because of the construction, so I'm hoping we haven't just jinxed all of our fellow September travelers at GF! Although, I'm thinking we'll be OK since GF just went through some extensive construction projects

I've never stayed at GF before, but DH did when he was younger. His grandparents took their whole family several times and I loved listening to his grandfather tell me stories about their trips. He loved GF!

On the same day that we decided to switch resorts, we got a phone call that DH's grandfather passed away. This may be silly, but I've taken comfort in knowing that we will be staying at his favorite resort. DH will be able to reminisce about good times with his grandfather while we make new memories together.

Anywho, thanks for all of the wonderful information!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Hi everyone!

I just spent a nice chunk of my afternoon reading through this whole thread

We recently made the switch from WL to GF after hearing about the pool situation. We had originally wanted Poly and decided to go with WL instead because of the construction, so I'm hoping we haven't just jinxed all of our fellow September travelers at GF! Although, I'm thinking we'll be OK since GF just went through some extensive construction projects

I've never stayed at GF before, but DH did when he was younger. His grandparents took their whole family several times and I loved listening to his grandfather tell me stories about their trips. He loved GF!

On the same day that we decided to switch resorts, we got a phone call that DH's grandfather passed away. This may be silly, but I've taken comfort in knowing that we will be staying at his favorite resort. DH will be able to reminisce about good times with his grandfather while we make new memories together.

Anywho, thanks for all of the wonderful information!

Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband's grandfather. I'm so glad you can take comfort knowing he'd be so happy you'll be spending time at his favorite resort. Looks like it was meant to be.
Caring thoughts are with you.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hi everyone!

I just spent a nice chunk of my afternoon reading through this whole thread

We recently made the switch from WL to GF after hearing about the pool situation. We had originally wanted Poly and decided to go with WL instead because of the construction, so I'm hoping we haven't just jinxed all of our fellow September travelers at GF! Although, I'm thinking we'll be OK since GF just went through some extensive construction projects

I've never stayed at GF before, but DH did when he was younger. His grandparents took their whole family several times and I loved listening to his grandfather tell me stories about their trips. He loved GF!

On the same day that we decided to switch resorts, we got a phone call that DH's grandfather passed away. This may be silly, but I've taken comfort in knowing that we will be staying at his favorite resort. DH will be able to reminisce about good times with his grandfather while we make new memories together.

Anywho, thanks for all of the wonderful information!

I'm so sorry to hear of your DH's grandfather's passing. I hope the wonderful, loving memories you all have of him will bring you a sense of peace in the coming weeks, and the new memories you make at the Grand will be a comfort. It sounds like your choice would have been met with approval!

You are correct, there has been extensive renovations to the grounds and rooms in the last 2 years. Hopefully, there won't be any major projects during your upcoming stay!

If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask - it's why we're here.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Hi! I just started reading through the thread. My husband and I have a tentative reservation for GF while we are waiting to see how bad the WL construction is...I was last at GF when I was 10 years old but I still remember it vividly.

We still aren't sure where we are staying so I figured I would look at pictures and read about the different rooms. We are in an outer building - garden view. We want a room that is close to the main building and quick service, and is not a maze to get to since my husband is blind.

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi everyone!

I just spent a nice chunk of my afternoon reading through this whole thread

We recently made the switch from WL to GF after hearing about the pool situation. We had originally wanted Poly and decided to go with WL instead because of the construction, so I'm hoping we haven't just jinxed all of our fellow September travelers at GF! Although, I'm thinking we'll be OK since GF just went through some extensive construction projects

I've never stayed at GF before, but DH did when he was younger. His grandparents took their whole family several times and I loved listening to his grandfather tell me stories about their trips. He loved GF!

On the same day that we decided to switch resorts, we got a phone call that DH's grandfather passed away. This may be silly, but I've taken comfort in knowing that we will be staying at his favorite resort. DH will be able to reminisce about good times with his grandfather while we make new memories together.

Anywho, thanks for all of the wonderful information!

I'm so sorry about the passing of your DH's grandfather . I think you and your DH staying at the GF was meant to be. I know you both will make some great new memories while your DH remembers all of the great times he spent there with his grandfather .

Hi! I just started reading through the thread. My husband and I have a tentative reservation for GF while we are waiting to see how bad the WL construction is...I was last at GF when I was 10 years old but I still remember it vividly.

We still aren't sure where we are staying so I figured I would look at pictures and read about the different rooms. We are in an outer building - garden view. We want a room that is close to the main building and quick service, and is not a maze to get to since my husband is blind.

My suggestion would be Big Pine Key . BPK overlooks the courtyard pool, is very close to the main building, and isn't far from Gasparillas.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

I'm so sorry about the passing of your DH's grandfather . I think you and your DH staying at the GF was meant to be. I know you both will make some great new memories while your DH remembers all of the great times he spent there with his grandfather .



My suggestion would be Big Pine Key . BPK overlooks the courtyard pool, is very close to the main building, and isn't far from Gasparillas.

Ok, thanks! I am reading my husband the menus and he is excited. Do you happen to know if the Beaches Pool Bar and the Courtyard Pool Bar take QS meals? The Disney meal plan pdf says Beaches Pool bar does take the meal plan, while the Disney site says it does not. Also, hubby wants to know if Gasparilla Grill has french fries (menu says just chips)...LOL. I know it sounds silly but this is vacation!